What Functions Does a BMW Key Fob Have?
Your BMW key fob is likely to have many functions. You can use it to unlock your doors, operate your windows, and even start your engine.
There are a few tricks you may not be aware of. Here are a few of the best.
Functions
The BMW key fob is a small, rectangular piece of plastic with several buttons incorporated into its side. Most of these buttons allow you to lock and unlock your car however, a few are distinctive. BMW owners, for example can activate a secret function on their key fob by pressing the unlock button twice quickly. This is a great option for those looking to cool off their car in the heat of summer.
Another major benefit of the BMW key fob is that it can be used to start the car. This is a wonderful safety precaution and prevents unauthorized entry into the vehicle. To start the car, the driver has to first push the lock on the fob of the key and then the circular arrow. This feature is also available on newer BMW models to remotely start the car. This is especially useful when the driver is running late for work and doesn't have the time to get out of the car to get the door handle.
The BMW key fob also has the capability of controlling the internal climate system. This is especially convenient for people who travel with multiple individuals, as it's possible to set each individual's preferred temperature with their own key fob. If you have hybrid BMW, the key fob can be used to monitor the state of charge of the battery in the vehicle.
While standard BMW key fobs can handle normal levels of water, dropping them into water can cause serious damage. This is why it's recommended to keep the key fob in a protective case when not in use. If you do lose the key fob, a replacement can be provided that will deactivate it, making it unusable for thieves. Contacting the dealer or our technicians will do this. You can purchase a replacement BMW key fob to re-establish your car's functionality.
Design
BMW key fobs were huge, clunky rectangular shapes in black that, from a distance, appeared like a bottle-opener. They were simple but functional. Then BMW began to make them more compact and added a case made of plastic around the key's base that made it look nicer and less like the bottle opener. This new design also minimized the rough edges of the keys which could puncture bags or pockets, and made keys easier to hold.
BMW has since introduced the Display Key which puts all the functions of your car in your hands. It allows you to lock and unlock your car, control your air conditioning, and display vehicle information on a small touchscreen LCD on the BMW key fob. Even hybrid models come with remote parking!
If you're in need of a replacement key fob, you can have the same great function by using a BMW Digital Key. You can unlock your car using your smartphone provided you have an appropriate model. This feature is only available on BMW vehicles built after 2021 that use the iDrive 8 system.
The Connected Remote key is another cool new key from BMW that lets you start your vehicle and operate some features with your smartphone. The app allows you to remotely control your car’s climate control and monitor battery levels. You can see the amount of fuel left in your car if it is equipped with this feature.
No matter if you're using a BMW Digital Key or a traditional key fob the process for getting a replacement is similar. You'll have to bring the original key along with the new one to Patrick BMW, and our technicians will help you with everything. You can also purchase an BMW Key Protection plan, which will cover the cost of a replacement if your keys are stolen or lost.
If you do lose your BMW key, don't panic! The first thing to do is reset the key. This will erase all programming and render it unusable. This is done five times by quickly turning the key from one position to zero and back. Then, turn it back to position zero and then pull it out of the ignition.
Security
The BMW Digital Key makes it easy to start your vehicle. The fob works with your Apple Watch or smartphone and works with BMW Connected Drive. It allows you to unlock your vehicle and also start the engine. You can also share the key with five others.
The key fob communicates encrypted signals to the vehicle. It is therefore difficult for hackers and cloners to intercept the signal. The UWB technology of the BMW Digital Key also prevents attacks on relays even if the device is moving. The system also incorporates a built-in alarm to prevent unauthorised starts and disables the ignition switch which is a popular target for thieves.
BMW also provides a variety of optional security features, including Passive Start, which disables the starter motor when the key fob is not in close proximity to the car. This feature is available in many of the brand's models and provides additional security.
BMW's more sophisticated models include keyless entry that allows users to start their vehicle without having to manually inserting a key or pressing any buttons. This feature can be activated by pressing three times on the lock button of the fob in just one second. In some cases you may have to press the lock on the fob 3 times in order to activate a remote start feature on the dashboard or steering wheel.
Some people choose to carry their BMW key fob in a pouch with a signal blocker which minimizes the possibility of a third party broadcasting the identification signal from the fob and allowing access to the car. Others prefer to use the standard key case which does not have this feature, but it will protect the fob from scratches.
Some BMW owners have reported that their cars were stolen by criminals who simply used a signal amplifier to boost the identifying signal. This type of attack is referred to as "Relay Attack" and can be avoided by keeping the key fob in a signal-blocking pocket or by installing a signal-blocking app on your phone.
Replacement
Everybody has experienced this: the battery in your BMW key fob dies or you need to buy a spare one for a family. Fortunately, finding a replacement BMW key fob and programming it into your vehicle is simple and affordable. BMW authorized locksmiths or dealers can offer you an alternative key fob. A new key fob will cost between $400 and $650 based on the kind of BMW you drive.
Make sure that there isn't other ignition key in your BMW before you begin programming a new keyfob. Close all doors in your vehicle. Place your new key fob into the ignition, then quickly change it from position 1 to position zero, and then back to position 1. Then, hold down the unlock button on your BMW key fob and press the BMW logo three times in rapid succession. After you've completed this, take off your key and turn the vehicle on. The vehicle's doors lock and unlock. This means that the new key fob has been successfully programmed.
Depending on your car model depending on the model of your car, you could have a key fob that has a physical key blade inside it, or a fob that doesn't have one. The process of synchronizing new fobs to your car is different for each one however, the steps are nearly identical. The only difference is the metal key fob needs to be put into the ignition to start your car.
If you have a BMW equipped with Comfort Access the process is even simpler. Once you have programmed your new key fob to your BMW, insert it in the ignition and press start.
It is crucial to keep your BMW key fob in working condition. If you're looking for an entirely new BMW key fob or replacement one, you can reach the parts department at Patrick BMW. We can assist you in finding the right key fob for your vehicle and even upgrade your BMW with the Comfort Access upgrade to website enable keyless entry as well as engine starting.